Workshop FAQ’s

Is this workshop for beginners or professionals?

Our workshops are designed for both amateur and professional photographers. However, participants should have a working understanding of their cameras’ settings, Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, and a basic understanding of file organization.

Day 2 • Meet 2 hours before sunset (Depending on time of year) • Sunset shoot (Depending on time of year) • Travel to first night sky shooting location • More instruction on camera settings, composition, and focusing at night • Shoot at 2-3 locations throughout the night, spending roughly 2-3 hours at each location, capturing various compositions, receiving additional instruction on camera settings, capturing the Milky Way, creating star trails and much more • Break around 4am

Day 3: • Meet at 12pm for overview of technique and advanced post processing (4-5 hours) • Group dinner at a local restaurant

Day 5 • Meet at 12pm for overview of technique and advanced image processing (4-5 hours) • Group dinner at a local restaurant

What will I learn during a night sky photography workshop?

• A comprehensive understanding of the night sky (Earth’s orbit, location of the Milky Way, meteor showers, moon cycles, etc.) • Gain a comprehensive understanding of the night sky (Earth’s orbit, location of the Milky Way, meteor showers, moon cycles, etc.) • Appreciate the importance of planning for your shoot • Understand the differences between shutter speed/aperture/ISO/white balance, and more • Learn how to focus your lens at night • Begin to master the art of capturing the Milky Way, create star trails, panoramas, composites, and more • Learn about light painting • Understand noise reduction (how and when to use it) • Receive personal tips and special techniques • Learn how to blend multiple exposures together in post processing using Adobe Photoshop • Gain new skills with advanced post processing methods in Bridge & Photoshop

What do I need to bring for the workshop?

• A DSLR or mirrorless camera with the ability to shoot clean images at high ISO settings ranging from 2000 – 3200 • 2-4 extra batteries (depending on your camera body) • 32gb memory card (we will be shooting in RAW format all night) • A wide angle lens, at least 24mm or wider, and f/2.8. I prefer to shoot with a wide-angle zoom lens for additional flexibility. For example, a 14-24mm or 16-35mm. You can rent lenses and camera bodies from Borrow Lenses or Lens Pro To Go for the workshop if needed. Brad will work with each participant to confirm they have proper equipment for their workshop. • Intervalometer (Click HERE for an example) • A sturdy tripod • Headlamp (Must include a red light. Click HERE for an example) and flashlight • Warm/Layered Clothing (it can get very cold) • Extra food and/or necessities you may require (coffee, hot chocolate, and teas will be provided during the workshop) • You will not need your computer during the shooting portion, but I recommend all participants bring a laptop to the post processing tutorial with a copy of Bridge & Photoshop installed. You can install a 7 day trial from Adobe. Click HERE for more details.

What kind of physical shape do I need to be in for your workshop?

My workshops are designed with minimal hiking in most situations. Please check the description of each workshop’s ‘Physical Difficulty’ for more info. All participants are expected to hike with all of their necessary camera gear, food, water, personal items, etc…

Weather

Ultimately, weather is an uncontrollable factor with night sky photography. Regardless of the conditions (for example, a freak blizzard) we will stay out and shoot as long as it is safe to do so. I suggest all participants attending my workshops to arrive one day prior and stay one day later (if possible). If weather becomes an issue, we may need to be flexible and shoot the night before/after the scheduled workshop dates. Clouds play a significant role while capturing the night sky. However, even during completely overcast conditions, I promise you will come away with beautiful images, knowledge, and capabilities of capturing the night sky.

Am I allowed to bring a spouse or friend who will not be taking pictures?

Sure you can! However, due to additional permit fees, materials, logistics, etc… a 50% additional fee will be charged per person.

Booking & Refund Policy:

Unfortunately, I am unable to give refunds due to unforeseen weather events during our workshop. However, I will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your schedule and needs. For more info regarding refunds and/or rescheduling, please read our Terms & Conditions.

Client Testimonials

“The universe unfolds as night falls and our minds expand to capture the beauty before us… Here I am profoundly moved at the same time I am learning – this is the classroom that dreams are made of and the landscape offers no boundary to infinite inspiration and possibilities to create amazing photos. With instruction, encouragement, empowerment, and guidance from Brad, this experience is absolutely phenomenal.” – Lynn

“Brad’s artistry and photographic skill is obvious, but teaching a workshop is a wholly different thing. So it was a wonderful revelation to learn that he is just as talented at teaching. The workshop was a wonderful time — educational, revelatory, and a lot of fun! I highly recommend attending his workshops if you have the chance.” – Dave

“Brad’s workshops are outstanding. He is very well organized and knows the area with the best times and positions to make the best images. Brad works well with all skill levels, making it possible for everyone to have opportunities for success. I am so impressed that I have been anxiously awaiting the new schedule so I can immediately sign up for other trips.” – Carol

“I would highly recommend this and any other of Goldpaint Photography’s workshops, they are extremely well planned out, the organizers have put their heart and souls into this and you will walk away with an experience that will bring your photography skills to new levels. I’m already looking forward to future workshops with Brad.” – Glen

“Brad is great at explaining things in detail and at a level that is easy to understand. He is very patient and answers all questions that come at him. I highly recommend his workshops – not only will it help refine one’s photography skills, it will create great memories that will last a life time.“ – Nikki

“I have taken many photography workshops, but I can honestly say that Brad Goldpaint’s workshops have been my favorite. Not only is Brad an excellent teacher, but the warmth, kindness and care and attention that he gives to each participant is unparalleled.“ – Jonathan

“ One of the unsung best benefits of taking a Goldpaint Workshop is becoming a member of the ‘GP Alumni.’ You will continue to reap benefits being associated with this community of talented photographers, novice to professionals. I highly recommend Brad Goldpaint’s Workshops, whether in private one-on-one instruction, one of his traditional workshops, or in an Alumni Workshop. “ – Tim

“Brad, I absolutely loved the workshop. It exceeded my expectations. Your presentation was excellent. Your help throughout the workshop was excellent. I feel so lucky that I was able to get into the workshop. Thank you, thank you, thank you.“ – Rick

“ Not all great artists make great teachers. In the case of Brad Goldpaint, both are true. Brad masterfully creates images of the night sky and provides the thoughtful and thorough guidance to create your own. Give him your attention and he’ll give you all the tools and techniques you need — the rest is up to you. “ – George

“ Brad has a laid back personality which totally “works” and is critical when shooting landscapes and night scenes with ever changing weather. He is always encouraging and is a huge asset within the pro photo community – he is confident in his work but not cocky or condescending – thus he has the perfect combination. Thank you Brad for the time and all the effort you put into these workshops. “ – Evan